Buzz
Crime films often evoke memories of timeless classics such as The Godfather, Scarface, Goodfellas, Heat, and Chinatown, which are frequently celebrated as the pinnacle of the genre. However, there are countless overlooked masterpieces that have been unjustly sidelined and forgotten over the years. What about those hidden gems that deserve a second look?
This list highlights ten films featuring some of the most morally reprehensible characters ever depicted on screen. Each of these movies is worthy of your attention, especially if you haven’t had the chance to experience them yet.
10. In Bruges
After a botched assignment, hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are ordered to lay low in the picturesque city of Bruges. While Ken immerses himself in the city’s rich history and charm, Ray remains unimpressed and restless, finding little joy in the serene surroundings.
One of the film's standout features is the witty and engaging dialogue between Ray and Ken. Writer and director Martin McDonagh masterfully crafts these characters to be both sarcastic and deeply troubled. The screenplay is sharp and clever, allowing McDonagh to infuse these hitmen with as much charisma as possible. Their motivations and actions are portrayed in a way that feels entirely relatable and understandable.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ralph Fiennes has portrayed numerous iconic villains, such as Voldemort in the Harry Potter series, Amon Goeth in Schindler’s List, and Francis Dolarhyde in Red Dragon. However, his performance as the antagonist Harry in this film stands out as one of his most humorous and impressive roles to date.
Fans of In Bruges will likely appreciate McDonagh’s next project, Seven Psychopaths, which delivers a strong follow-up. His upcoming film, Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri, starring Frances McDormand, is set to release later this year. Judging by its red-band trailer, the movie appears highly promising, though it’s definitely not suitable for a work environment.
9. Running Scared
After a group of corrupt officers is killed in a botched shootout, Joey (played by the late Paul Walker), a small-time criminal, is entrusted with disposing of a snub-nose 38. To quickly resolve the situation, he hides the weapon in his basement. However, the gun is soon taken by his son’s friend Oleg (Camera Bright), who uses it in an attempt to kill his abusive father—a man more enamored with John Wayne than his own family. The father’s obsession with The Duke is evident from the poorly executed tattoo of the actor on his back, a design so bad that no tattoo artist could ever fix it.
Oleg and the gun vanish into the night, thrusting Joey into a chaotic and hellish journey to recover both. While one might argue that Joey should have disposed of the gun in the harbor initially, avoiding the basement stash, such a decision would have left no story to tell. Running Scared not only stands as Paul Walker’s finest film but also showcases the peak of his acting career.
Director Wayne Kramer infuses this twisted tale with a dark, Grimm’s fairytale-inspired aesthetic. This theme reaches its unsettling climax when Oleg stumbles upon a disturbing subplot involving two pedophiles (Bruce Altman and Elizabeth Mitchell). The scene is so jarring that it forever alters your perception of Juliet from Lost. Vera Farmiga, who plays Walker’s on-screen wife and appears before her Bates Motel fame, delivers some of the film’s most memorable moments. This is a must-watch.
8. True Romance
Despite being directed by the late Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino, with a 92 percent Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, True Romance remains underappreciated. The film boasts all the ingredients of a compelling story: Clarence (Christian Slater), a lovable comic book fan and Elvis enthusiast, and Alabama (Patricia Arquette), a endearing call-girl seeking a fresh start. Gary Oldman, nearly unrecognizable as her pimp, adds to the film’s brilliance. While it carries Tarantino’s signature style, the narrative remains unpredictable, filled with twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Tony Scott was known for his frenetic, fast-paced visual style, which became more pronounced later in his career. However, True Romance offers a more restrained approach, making it a refreshing departure for those less fond of his usual flair. Keep an eye out for a brief but unforgettable cameo by Brad Pitt as a perfectly cast stoner.
7. The Place Beyond The Pines
Derek Cianfrance, known for his emotionally raw and impactful relationship drama Blue Valentine starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, later directed The Place Beyond The Pines. This film unfolds in a triptych structure, reminiscent of the Best Picture winner Moonlight. Luke Glanton (Gosling), a tattooed motorcycle stunt performer with no meaningful ties, drifts from town to town as part of a traveling act. His solitary life takes a turn when Romina (Eva Mendes), a former lover, informs him he’s the father of her child. Determined to support his son, Luke turns to bank robbery with the assistance of Robin (Ben Mendelsohn).
The film’s strength lies in the authenticity of its characters. Gosling once admitted that if he were to rob a bank, he’d do it on a motorcycle, much like his character. Cianfrance masterfully centers the narrative on the characters and their struggles, making their decisions and the resulting consequences deeply relatable. We empathize with Avery (Bradley Cooper) as he climbs the ranks in the police force and later pursues a political career. Similarly, we root for Jason (Dane DeHaan) as he searches for his father’s identity while grappling with the challenges of adolescence.
6. Killing Them Softly
Andrew Dominik, though having directed only four feature films, has created cinematic masterpieces with each. He reunited with Brad Pitt, his star from The Assassination of Jesse James, for the underrated gem Killing Them Softly.
After Markie Trattman (Ray Liotta) orchestrates a heist at his own card game, Frankie (Scoot McNairy) and Russell (Ben Mendelsohn) attempt to replicate his scheme for a quick payoff. However, their amateurish approach draws the ire of higher-ranking criminals, who decide to eliminate them. Enter Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), a smooth-talking enforcer tasked with cleaning up their mess. The film’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the gritty, morally bankrupt world of its characters. Richard Jenkins also delivers a memorable performance in a supporting role, adding depth to this dark and unflinching tale.
5. Shoot ‘Em Up
Taking Shoot ‘Em Up seriously would be missing the point entirely. The film embraces its over-the-top nature with pride. Clive Owen’s character munches on carrots while channeling Bugs Bunny, while Paul Giamatti portrays a sinister businessman juggling his murderous schemes and marital issues. Monica Bellucci stars as Donna “Dairy Queen” Quintano, a lactating prostitute. These three characters form the core of a story that’s as absurd as it is entertaining.
At just 86 minutes, the film moves at a breakneck pace, delivering one outrageous scene after another. From its explosive opening to its gravity-defying climax, the film maintains a cartoonish level of violence and action that never loses its internal logic. If you’re looking for a wild, no-holds-barred ride, Shoot ‘Em Up is the perfect choice.
2. Pride and Glory
Released on October 24, 2008, Pride and Glory seemed poised for Oscar recognition but was unfortunately overlooked. Despite its prime awards season release, this gritty New York cop drama struggled at the box office, recouping only half its budget. Directed and co-written by Gavin O’Connor and Joe Carnahan, the film strips away the glamour of New York City, instead exposing its darker, grittier underbelly. Its raw authenticity leaves viewers feeling unsettled, offering a stark contrast to the city’s polished image.
Four years prior to helming Suicide Squad, David Ayer delivered End of Watch, a gripping tale of two LAPD officers, Brian (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Mike (Michael Peña), navigating the dangers of their job. Ayer immerses the audience in their daily lives, showcasing their camaraderie and unbreakable bond. The chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Peña is the film’s highlight, making their partnership feel genuine and compelling.
Ayer provides a raw and intimate look at the challenges faced by street cops, highlighting their struggles to return home safely each night. While his earlier films, Harsh Times and Street Kings, were uneven, End of Watch marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his growth as a filmmaker.
1. Hobo With A Shotgun
In this modern twist on the Western genre, a drifter (Rutger Hauer) arrives in the crime-ridden Hope Town, ironically devoid of hope. Ruled by the ruthless gangster The Drake (Brian Downey) and his vile sons, Slick (Gregory Smith) and Ivan (Nick Bateman), the town is a cesspool of violence. The hobo initially dreams of buying a lawnmower to start a business, but the town’s depravity pushes him to instead purchase a shotgun, unleashing his own form of justice.
The film descends into a delightfully excessive display of violence and gore, executed with a sense of glee. Rutger Hauer delivers a performance that grounds the film’s absurdity, adding a layer of credibility to its over-the-top nature. Seeing an actor of his stature, known for his role as Roy Batty in Blade Runner, dismantle villains in such a graphic manner is both shocking and entertaining. This is not a movie for those who shy away from intense, visceral content.
4. Punisher: War Zone
Punisher: War Zone stands apart from the disappointing 1989 Dolph Lundgren version and the lackluster 2004 Thomas Jane adaptation. Adi Shankar even outshone the latter with his NSFW short film, Dirty Laundry. Released on December 5, 2008, during the holiday season, Punisher: War Zone struggled at the box office, failing to find its audience.
Lexi Alexander directs a film that is unapologetically violent and faithful to its comic book origins. Ray Stevenson embodies a grim and relentless Frank Castle, determined to take on the mob single-handedly. Dominic West steals scenes as Jigsaw, a villain who revels in chaos, distinct from the infamous antagonist of the Saw series.
War Zone skips the tired origin story and plunges viewers straight into the action. From the opening scene, the Punisher is seen hanging from a chandelier, unleashing chaos on a room full of gangsters. If this level of intensity and action is what you crave, this film will undoubtedly satisfy.
